Press Release

04/20/2005 1:39 PM ET

Mientkiewicz and Red Sox agree to submit World Series
baseball dispute to arbitration under Basic Agreement

MLB Players Association

NEW YORK -- Doug Mientkiewicz, the Boston Red Sox, the MLBPA and the Commissioners Office, today agreed to submit to arbitration the Red Sox claims regarding ownership of the baseball used to record the final out of the 2004 World Series.

The Red Sox have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit filed against Mientkiewicz in a Massachusetts state court. Instead, the Club and the Commissioners Office will file a Notice of Grievance asking Major League Baseballs Arbitration Panel to determine ownership of the ball. Mientkiewicz has agreed to waive a previously agreed-upon entitlement to return of the ball by January 1, 2006, so that the Red Sox can continue to exhibit the ball while the Grievance is processed under the Basic Agreement.

The Players Association strongly believed that this dispute belonged in the Grievance Procedure. It appreciates Doug's help in protecting the integrity and reach of the Basic Agreement, to the benefit of all Players, said Michael Weiner, the Associations general counsel.

Consistent with the Basic Agreement, the parties will meet regarding the matter, probably in January, to begin processing the grievance, which will include discussions about possible resolution of the matter. No date for hearing before the Arbitration Panel has been set.